Mentor volunteer roles in leicester, england

Could you help to change a care-experienced child's life by reading with them for just an hour a week over a six month period?

We're looking for new volunteers to read online. Reading Heroes is a highly individualised initiative - every book that you read has been chosen specifically for you and the child.  All books are provided, and you will receive ongoing personal support from our dedicated Reading Heroes team, as well as opportunities to meet with other volunteers.

The number of care-experienced children in the UK growing; research tells us that these children are more likely to experience social, emotional and mental health problems, so we believe that Reading Heroes is a more important project than ever.

We have found that the Reading Heroes scheme has helped the children involved with their reading and other literacy-based skills, but these are not our primary purposes. Reading Heroes simply promotes reading for pleasure, and giving some of our time to children who need a little extra support - along with a kindly, friendly listener!

As a Reading Heroes volunteer, you’ll be instilling a love of stories which can have a lifelong positive impact. 80% of participants tell us they enjoy reading more after taking part.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/FVts50SBrIm

“Thank you for helping me read better and for making reading fun and not stupid boring!" (Reading Heroes participant)

The country’s only dedicated ancient tree charity, the Ancient Tree Forum (ATF), is looking for a new Trustee with Fundraising Experience.

About us – The ATF seeks to secure the long-term future of ancient trees through advocacy of no further avoidable loss, good management, and the development of a succession of future ancient trees. The ATF is needed now more than ever – this is a critical time for ancient trees, the habitats they support and the landscapes in which they can survive and flourish. Their protection is crucial, not least because these living monuments represent a globally important resource, for biodiversity, cultural connection, mental & physical health, carbon capture, and soil conservation.

The profile of the ATF continues to grow, and its expertise is sought at the highest level. We raise awareness and understanding of the value and importance of ancient and veteran trees to biodiversity, soils, landscape, heritage, and climate. We work with a mix of national charities, landowners, land managers, local authorities, and policy makers in national government and offer specialist training, advice, guidance, and outreach projects. 

What we’re looking for – Do you have the ability, empathy and commitment to make a major contribution to the protection of the oldest trees in the country, and all their associated wildlife, history and carbon impact? 

Are you an experienced fundraiser from the environmental or wider charitable sector? 

If so, we encourage you to consider applying. 

If you also understand current ancient and veteran tree-related challenges and issues this would be an advantage, although a background in the wider environment sector and in charities at a relevant level is more important. 

Chair of Trustees Role

Profile Remuneration: This is a voluntary role.

Reasonable expenses for travel may be reimbursed.

Location: Must be available for board meetings in person in London

Time commitment: Quarterly board meetings, annual strategy day, plus additional time for Chair duties as required

Term: 3 years (renewable up to a maximum tenure of 9 years)

The Chair of the Board of Trustees provides leadership to the Board, ensuring it functions effectively to support and guide the charity in achieving its mission. The Chair is responsible for setting the tone for the Board’s work, promoting a strong culture of governance, and facilitating effective, inclusive decision-making. The Chair helps to steward the strategic direction of Dallaglio RugbyWorks, ensuring that the charity remains focused on its purpose, values, and long-term sustainability. The Chair also acts as a key ambassador for the organisation and helps build productive relationships both within the Board and with external stakeholders, including the charity’s founder.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board in maintaining a clear and strategic focus on the charity’s mission, values and long-term goals.
• Chair quarterly board meetings, facilitating inclusive, well-informed, and effective decision-making.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance among Trustees.
• Provide a supportive and constructive relationship with the CEO, acting as a sounding board and trusted advisor.
• Ensure that the board fulfils its legal and governance responsibilities, including oversight of financial health, compliance and risk.
• Ensure robust financial oversight, including the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation, and the appropriate use of resources.
• Build and maintain a constructive and appropriate relationship with the charity’s founder, supporting their continued connection to the mission while ensuring clarity of roles and governance.
• Represent the charity externally, where appropriate, to build its profile, credibility and influence.  
• Support the executive team by facilitating introductions to key contacts, influencers, and potential supporters or partners.
• Lead board development, including Trustee recruitment, succession planning, and reviews of board performance.
• Champion best practice in governance and uphold the charity’s values and reputation.
• The Chair is a member of the Nomination, Remuneration & HR Committee, with twice yearly online meetings to be attended.

General Trustee Responsibilities

• As Chair, you also carry the core responsibilities of a Trustee, including:
• Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing document and all relevant legislation and regulation.
• Using your skills, knowledge and experience to support sound decision-making and organisational development.
• Safeguarding the assets and values of the charity, and ensuring resources are used effectively to achieve charitable purposes.
• Acting in the best interests of Dallaglio RugbyWorks at all times, exercising reasonable care and independent judgement.
• Promoting transparency, inclusivity, and integrity across the organisation.

The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. Trustees will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonable commensurate with the role. The Board of Trustees is jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Trustees, should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual Trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

Person Specification

We are seeking a strategic and inclusive leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people.

Experience

•  Proven experience chairing a Board or senior committee in a charity, public body or corporate setting.
• Previous experience serving as a charity Trustee, with a strong understanding of governance and collective responsibility is highly desirable.
• A respected professional with credibility and connections in relevant sectors, able to influence and support the charity through relationships and networks.
• Strong alignment with the mission and values of Dallaglio RugbyWorks.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with Trustees, senior leaders and stakeholders.
• A track record of strategic thinking, sound judgement and independent decisionmaking.
• Familiarity with governance frameworks and the legal duties of charity trustees.

Skills & Attributes

• A strategic and inclusive leader with strong facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills, able to build consensus and navigate complex discussions.
• Prepared to commit the time required for effective leadership, including attending quarterly Board meetings in person and supporting ad hoc responsibilities between meetings.
• Willing to use personal and professional networks to support the charity’s development, profile, and partnerships

Please read the attached Trustee Information Pack for more detail

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in the governance and strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that we operate effectively, achieve our mission, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are collectively responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets, ensuring they are used exclusively to further our objectives, and overseeing the charity’s financial health, including budgets, financial controls, and reporting. Acting with integrity and in the charity’s best interests is at the heart of the role.

To strengthen our board and support the growth of our charity, we have identified three key areas where additional expertise is needed:

• Marketing
• Legal
• Fundraising

Each of these areas play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission, enhance our impact, and ensure the charity’s sustainability for years to come. In the attached Recruitment Pack, we have outlined individual role profiles for each of these specialisms.

We welcome candidates from diverse professional backgrounds who share our commitment to supporting those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder. If your current or previous skills or experience align with any of these profiles, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving meaningful change.